Tree Cholla in the Snow

A snow storm hit the Sandia Mountains outside of Albuquerque New Mexico and Teig and I went out to explore Elena Gallegos Open Space. The Tree Cholla Cacti were so striking in the snow especially with their bright yellow fruit. It was surreal to see this landscape and the cacti in deep snow.

Aspen Scars

Some interesting scars on an aspen tree off of the Burning Bear trail. They appear to be bear claw marks probably from a bear climbing the tree. I find these scars so interesting and can hint to a story from the past. It is fun to imagine the bear climbing the tree and hypothesize why he was doing it.

Cascading Water on Mills Creek

Mills Creek during the peak summer color in the Colorado Rockies outside of Idaho Springs. We hiked to Bill Moore Lake and did some exploring of the area and found that the mountain flowers were blooming next to the creek and this little waterfall. It was a perfect location for lunch and some tranquility.

Mill Creek Afternoon

Enjoying the beautiful Rocky Mountain afternoon sitting next to this little waterfall on Mill Creek above Bill Moore Lake. The sounds of the cascading waterfall and the colors of flowers enticed me to sit and just meditate before sauntering further on the trail.

Alpine Fireweed and Teig

Teig photobombing a landscape shot of Alpine Fireweeds next to the road at Boreas Pass above Breck in Colorado. I was setting up this nice evening shot of these purple flowers and Teig just walks up into the frame. I didn't really mind and I think he helps the composition. I would  always put him in my landscape photographs but I am sure people are already overwhelmed with Teig in most of my photos.

Friends Hiking with Pup on Mount Flora

A pair of lady hikers with their pup on a beautiful summer day at the summit of Mount Flora. Summer hiking in the Colorado Rockies is wonderful with a friend and especially with a dog to accompany both of you.

Three Island Creek Waterfall

Waterfalls don't have to be massive to be beautiful. Finding smaller falls on a creek can be just as rewarding and even better to sit next to and daydream. This was a very nice one on Three Island Creek outside of Steamboat Colorado.

Colorado Mines Peak above Berthoud Pass

Summer hiking to Mount Flora in the Front Range Mountains of Colorado affords enthusiasts fantastic views of the surrounding mountains. You rise above Colorado Mines Peak with its Electronic Site and radio towers to see Red Mountain and Jones Pass in the distance. This is a very popular trail because it allows the hikers such fantastic views.

Red Indian Paintbrush in Colorado Meadow

Beautiful red paintbrush in an alpine meadow near Silver Dollar Lake in the Colorado Rockies.

Backcountry Road in Joshua Tree National Natural Landmark

Not a soul could be found when we were sauntering in the backcountry near Tabeau Peak in the Joshua Tree National Natural Landmark. Teig and I love these secluded spots where few people visit or spend their time. I will always choose this type of location rather than a crowded tourist attraction.

Joshua Trees as Moon Rises over Desert Mountains

I spent a fun couple of winter's nights in Joshua Tree National Natural Landmark outside St. George Utah. The evenings were cool and the stars and clouds made for some good night photography. The Joshua Trees really come alive when lighted by the moon or a flashlight. I spent a few hours every night shooting the landscape and stars. I really adore nights in the southwestern deserts.

Joshua Trees on Mojave Desert Floor

Cool Joshua Trees covering Joshua Tree National Natural Landmark. Yucca brevifolia is a plant species belonging to the genus Yucca. It is tree-like in habit, which is reflected in its common names: Joshua tree, yucca palm, tree yucca, and palm tree yucca. The name "Joshua tree" is commonly said to have been given by a group of Mormon settlers crossing the Mojave Desert in the mid-19th century: The tree's role in guiding them through the desert combined with its unique shape reminded them of a biblical story in which Joshua keeps his hands reached out for an extended period of time to guide the Israelites in their conquest of Canaan.

Joshua Tree and Tabeau Peak

A beautiful Joshua Tree with Tabeau Peak in the background at Joshua Tree National Natural Landmark in south western Utah.

Desert Flora on Tabeau Peak Ridge

Teig and I were hiking up Tabeau Peak above Joshua Tree National Natural Landmark in  southwest Utah and we came upon this beautiful view on a ridge off the trail. The flora here was so quaint with the views of the valley far below and the mountains in the distance that I was compelled to take a photograph.

A Forest of Joshua Trees

This beautiful place is the only spot where you'll find Joshua trees in Utah, and it's also the farthest north point in the U.S. to find tree yuccas. The Joshua Tree Natural Area covers 1,052 acres of federally-protected land. It was designated in 1966. The scenery is downright stunning with the desert foliage right in front of you, and the vast land stretching toward the mountains in the distance, you'll feel like you've found your own remote piece of heaven.

Desert Mountains and Joshua Trees

The desert southwest is a beautiful location to saunter and explore in the winter. It very rarely snows and it is mostly t-shirt and shorts weather this time of year. This landscape photo was created in Joshua Tree National Natural Landmark in Utah and the contrast of the Joshua Trees and barren mountains helps with composing desert landscape compositions. It is hard to get a bad landscape photo here in the winter.

Joshua Tree beneath Rugged Mountain Range

The beauty of a Joshua Tree on the desert floor underneath the rugged Mountains in Southwestern Utah.

Mountain Range in the Beaver Dam Wash National Conservation Area

A panoramic view of the desert mountains from the Woodbury Desert Study Area in southwestern Utah. The study area lies within both the Beaver Dam Wash National Conservation Area and Joshua Tree National Natural Landmark. The range is high in elevation above the Mojave desert below.